What is Human Geography?
Geography is a Social Science that explores the complex relationships between society and the natural environment, by studying the spatial patterns of human activities. Geography examines:
- The factors affecting economic development
- Social concerns around the natural environment
- Health impacts of various development activities
- Megacities: How do we manage them?
- Land use policies and sustainability
- Migration and tourism
- Urbanization and poverty, and more.
What makes Human Geography at UTSC unique?
A focus on core human geography issues:
- Space, place and culture
- Environmental management and environmental movements
- Urbanization and urban processes
- Community and social change processes
- Land, development, and social justice issues
Skills of Human Geography Grads
- Strong analytical and writing skills
- Interpretation of conceptual and data-based information
- Projection of socio-economic trends
- Teamwork skills
- Multi-perspective approach to problem analysis
- Design and conduct Social Surveys
- Analyze and use statistical methods
- Conduct field studies and observe interactions
- Gather, organize, and analyze land use data
- Manipulate and map geographic data
- Plan long term projects
- Understand natural and social processes
- Write and present information clearly
Entry-Level Jobs for Bachelor Grads
According to an informal survey of graduates, and resources like The Career Directory, common employment destinations include:
- Community Outreach Coordinator in NGOs
- Sustainability Coordinator in Corporations
- Mapping/Data Analyst in Planning/Construction
- GIS Analyst in Transportation Services
- Development Worker in Non-Profits
- Natural and Cultural Heritage Interpreter in Government Servicse
- Tourism Information Officer in Travel Services
- Policy Analyst in Municipal Government
Human Geography Grads from UTSC have gone on to:
- Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (Policy Analyst)
- Walmart Canada (Human Resources Associate)
- Microsoft (Marketing Specialist)
UTSC Human Geography graduates are working in Education, Operations, and Sales/Marketing.
Graduate & Professional Studies
Popular further education opportunities include:
- Geography – Master of Arts
- Urban Planning – Master
- Sustainability or Environment – Master
- Education – Bachelor or Master
- Law School – JD (Juris Doctor)
- Paralegal Studies – Diploma
- Public Service/Administration – Master or Certificate
- Marketing – Post-Graduate Certificate
- Realtor Training – Licensing
Examples of Fields that ‘Fit’ the Skills of Human Geography Grads
- Non-Profit Causes
- Human Resources
- Marketing and Communications
- Logistics, Supply Chain and Operations
- Government (Federal, Provincial, Regional, Municipal) Property Assessment and Real Estate
- Education and Publishing
- Law / Legal Services
Your 4-Year Career Exploration Action Plan
1. Do Your Research
The databases below provide you with details about job prospects, nature of work, educational requirements, working conditions, pay and related career paths:
- Career Cruising: Log into cln.utoronto.ca, click on Resources, and click on Career Cruising to be logged in automatically
- O*Net: online.onetcenter.org (U.S. site)
Attend our workshop Discover Your Skills and Career Options, meet with a Career Counsellor, and use our resources to get to know your skills, values, personality and interests.
Use the advice on our tip sheets for gathering information:
- Information Interviews
- Working On-Campus
- Internships
- Volunteering
2. Explore Career Options & Get Experience
Gain exposure to your options in the world of work and make connections while you’re a student via campus events and programs listed on cln.utoronto.ca and ccr.utoronto.ca:
- Extern Job Shadowing
- In the Field
- Explore It! (course-based)
- Partners in Leadership (4th year students)
- iLead, uLead, weLead (Department of Student Life)
- Employer Information Sessions
- Career & Volunteer Fairs
- Departmental Student Association Events
Apply for Work Study jobs in CLN in Fall and Spring! You might also find work via the SCSU.
Find networking opportunities, internship programs and entry-level jobs via websites like TalentEgg and Charity Village.
As an upper year student (14+ credits), attend UTSC’s Get Hired conference and participate in Jobs for Grads.
As a graduate, explore internships and other trainee programs like Career Edge.
3. Build Your Network
Explore professional associations and get involved! Volunteer for their events and get to know people in your industry of interest. These are your future mentors, supervisors and colleagues!
- Geography and City Studies Student Association
- Canadian Association of Geographers
- Royal Canadian Geographic Society
- Canadian Public Relations Society
- Human Resource Professionals Association
- ECO Canada
- Canadian Cartographic Association
- Association of American Geographers
- Insurance Institute
- Law Society of Upper Canada
Other associations and websites for finding networking opportunities and experience include:
- Canadian Community Social Planning Councils
- Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences
Please note: This information is a starting point for your further research into career options in this field of study. For more information on this program and course requirements, please visit the Department of Human Geography website.